Business Plan For Whistlewood Common Limited · smallholding in The National Forest which is run...

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Business Plan

For

Whistlewood Common Limited An Industrial and Provident Society Society number: 32111R Date: 24 July 2013

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1. Table of contents

Ref. No.

Description

Page No.

1. Table of contents 2

2. Executive summary 3

3. Functional areas 4

3.1 Key personnel 4

3.2 Business details 6

3.3 Roles and responsibilities 6

3.4 Corporate structure 6

3.5 Achievements and experience 7

3.6 Specialist support available 9

3.7 Mission statement 10

3.8 Goals & objectives 11

4. Operations 12

4.1 Description of services 14

4.2 Qualification/ability vs. delivery of services

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4.3 Compliance with legal responsibilities & insurance requirements

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4.4 HR aspects 17

5. Marketing strategy 18

5.1 Market research & promotion 18

5.2 Location 19

5.3 Competition 19

6. Financial management 21

6.1 Assessment of Financial Situation 21

6.2 Assets 22

6.3 Grants & external funding 22

6.4 Financial Projections 23

6.5 Restricting factors 23

6.6 Other risks

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7. Review and monitoring

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Appendix 1 Glossary 26

Financial projections 27

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2. Executive summary

What if our community owned land where we could grow our own food, spend time outdoors, learn new skills and celebrate with our family and friends? Whistlewood Common Limited wants to purchase land on Melbourne Common to do this. Together our community can create a visionary model of low-input, high-yield woodland food production, create jobs and opportunities and establish a space where our community can meet, learn and celebrate. Whistlewood Common Limited is a not-for-profit society (an Industrial and Provident Society) that wishes to purchase land on Melbourne Common to create a productive landscape where every plant, shrub and tree is edible or otherwise useful to the local community. The project aims to:

Plant orchards, forest gardens and showcase fruit-growing systems

Establish a cider apple orchard

Encourage planting of local fruit varieties, such as the “Newton Wonder” Apple

Plant trees suitable for local use, such as for willow weaving, hazel poles, fencing, and firewood.

Offer courses in fruit growing, horticulture, woodland crafts and forestry skills

Offer courses in food preparation and storage (eg cider making, jams, chutneys etc)

Provide a picturesque venue for local activities from arts to exercise

Create an outdoor space for local groups, clubs, schools, organisations and individuals to use

Establish a “celebration” space for birthdays, christenings, naming ceremonies, weddings and remembrance

Provide opportunities for employment for local people

In addition to the advantages of owning the land as a community resource, we believe the project will:

Link food production and forestry in a way that can demonstrate a future vision of productive forestry for local communities

Bring back into food production a rough pasture that was a former market garden

Provide low carbon, chemical-free produce to be sold locally

Help make Melbourne more resilient and self-sufficient

Educate people, young and old on the benefits of grow-your-own, with an emphasis on the low-input, high-yield model of fruit production.

Help re-skill local people in lost crafts and trades

Provide volunteering opportunities

Create jobs and livelihoods for local people

Strengthen existing links with schools and local clubs

Encourage and support wildlife

The project has been initiated by Melbourne Area Transition UK, a local community group with an enviable track record of practical projects. The initial project team have diverse skills and backgrounds such as arts, permaculture, forest education, forestry, woodland crafts, business and marketing. The initial land purchase will be funded by a grant offer from the National Forest Company, combined with a community share issue to raise £50,000 to cover land

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purchase and a small amount of working capital. Further planting is projected to be funded by a grant from the Forestry Commission’s, English Woodland Grants Scheme for the native woodland element, combined with grants from diverse grant bodies interested in local food production, for the food-producing elements of the scheme. Over time the project is designed to be self-funding, offering courses and community activities. Costs associated with maintenance, staffing and other outgoings will be provided by running events designed to bring in an income to support the core aims of the Society. In studying community woodlands and community supported agriculture around the country, we have identified a unique opportunity to combine food-production within a woodland with providing a practical resource for the local community. We hope also to input our experience into wider regional and national thinking on forestry, community and food. Our location within The National Forest provides a unique opportunity in this exciting area.

3. Functional areas

Whistlewood Common Limited is in the process of purchasing land on Melbourne Common with the aim of creating a productive community woodland – a multi-layered forest where every plant, shrub and tree is edible or otherwise useful to the local community.

The intended activities on the site are detailed above.

3.1 Key personnel

Helen Bralesford – Helen is the Company Secretary and a Director of Bralesford Engineering Services Limited and has experience of running other small businesses. She was awarded a PhD in environmental literature from the University of Nottingham in 2010. Helen also runs a 4 acre smallholding. She is a local media volunteer for the Woodland Trust and Melbourne Festival. IT skills include basic web design. Helen, has, in particular, developed her skills in grant fund-raising whilst being Vice-Chair of Melbourne Area Transition. Helen serves as the Chair of Whistlewood Common Limited and also takes responsibility for day-to-day finance. Graham Truscott – Graham has 30 years senior-level international business experience including National Geographic Magazine and HarperCollins. He was the first ever Global Head of Brand for Rolls-Royce plc and later the Global Communications and Investor Relations Director for IMI plc. He is the Marketing director of Air Fuel Synthesis Limited and a company director of two other companies, he is a founder of two Transition groups, the Derby Carbon Initiative and the national REconomy Project. Graham holds the Permaculture Design Certificate and acts as secretary to Whistlewood Common Limited, keeping notes of meetings and helping to ensure good governance. Sarah Spencer – Sarah is trained in Permaculture (holding the Permaculture Design

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Certificate); she is also a trained Forest Schools Leader. Sarah owns a nine acre smallholding in The National Forest which is run along permaculture principles. In 2011–2012 2.5 hectares of her smallholding were planted under the National Forest Changing Landscape scheme, which includes orchards, a forest garden, short-rotation coppice, willow and other useful trees. She also designed and has, as part of a team, organised community events to fundraise and deliver this project; and has organised events on a wide range of environment-related topics. Sarah worked for many years as a human rights lawyer for a large charity. Sarah also has IT skills, including basic web-design, has strong project management skills and works part-time for a market-research company. Katherine Parrish – Katherine works as an Administrator for Keystone Training Limited, preparing reports and managing learning materials. Katherine has an arts background and has run her own craft business, as well as teaching art to children, adults and in Leicester Prison. Having been involved in environmental groups for many years, when she moved to Melbourne in 2010 she joined Melbourne Area Transition and is currently the Treasurer. Katherine is very active in the Infant School Parents Association and has been instrumental in creating the Forest Garden at the school, including organisation of community events. Christian Murray-Leslie - Christian is a retired doctor (Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine), he is a wildlife and conservation enthusiast and amateur bee keeper. Christian is a member of the steering committee of Melbourne Area Transition. He has experience in the charitable sector as a trustee of Disability Direct and Headway Derby for many years and was company secretary and chief executive for the latter for 6 years Barry Thomas - Barry worked as a teacher in Leicestershire and Derbyshire schools for 37 years, including 16 as Director of Information Technology at Landau Forte College, Derby. He has co-authored several IT textbooks and three Walking Guides to Melbourne and South Derbyshire. He is vice chair of Melbourne Civic Society and secretary to the Melbourne Footpaths Group and the town's Walkers are Welcome Steering Group. He is a life member of the Henry Doubleday Research Association (now Garden Organic), a keen grower of cider trees and a cider maker. He is an active member of the Melbourne Historical Research Group and maintains several local websites.

Emma Barnes – Emma has over 12 years experience as a forester with the last 8 years spent running a forestry business with her husband in The National Forest. She has a Degree in Environmental Science and Masters in Environmental Forestry and is also a licenced bat worker and committee member of Derbyshire Bat Group. She has experience of grant applications, management planning and has organised and implemented several community planting events. She is currently working towards professional membership with the ICF (Institute of Chartered Foresters). Emma is a recent member to the group, and has offered her forestry skills for the Whistlewood Project while hoping to increase her knowledge of permaculture. Peter Wood. Peter holds a Countryside Management BSc Honours from Liverpool University. In 1992 he worked for National Parks Service USA at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore National Park running environmental and historical educational programmes for schools. Peter has been a self-employed greenwood craftsman and environmental artist since 1993, making greenwood chairs, cob builds and creating living willow sculptures. In 2000 Peter set up “Greenwood Days”, a centre teaching traditional crafts, now the main centre in The National Forest to learn these skills, teaching people of all ages

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and abilities. Clients come from schools and colleges, the public and private sector. Peter also works on a freelance basis for People Express, a community arts organisation in South Derbyshire, as a project manager and artist, fundraising and running major art projects. Peter also does work for Creative Partnerships in Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire, and for Groundwork Leicester

3.2 Business details

Whistlewood Common Limited Registered Address: Hemsleys Barn Shepherds lane Melbourne Derbyshire DE73 8HT

Society’s Registration Number: 32111R (Registered with the FCA)

3.3 Roles and responsiblities

Chair – Helen Bralesford Secretary – Graham Truscott Project Management – Sarah Spencer Project Management – Christian Murray-Leslie Day to Day Finance – Helen Bralesford Marketing – Katherine Parrish Events – Helen Bralesford Website – Sarah Spencer Forestry design and advice – Emma Barnes Community Events – Emma Barnes, Peter Wood

3.4 Corporate structure

Whistlewood Common Limited is an Industrial and Provident Society (for the benefit of the community) under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965. A copy of the Rules of the Society are available upon request. The Society operates on a not-for-profit basis for the benefit of the community. The Society is registered with the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority). Society number: 32111R The Founder Directors are: Helen Bralesford (Chair), Graham Truscott (Secretary) and Sarah Spencer (Director).

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The Society shall have a Board of Directors comprising not less than three directors. The initial Directors of the Society from registration until the first annual general meeting shall be appointed by the Founder Members. Only persons of the Society who are aged 18 years or more may serve on the Board of Directors.

The composition of the Board shall be as follows: (a) Up to 7 Directors elected by and from the Society’s Members;

(b) Up to 4 Directors, who must be Members, appointed to the Board by co-option. Co-opted Directors are to be selected by the Board of Directors for their particular skills and/or experience.

The business of the Society shall be managed by the Board who may exercise all such powers of the Society as may be exercised and done by the Society and as are not by statute or by the Rules required to be exercised or done by the Society in general meeting. The Society shall, within six months of the end of the financial year, hold a general meeting of the Members as its annual general meeting and shall specify the meeting as such in the notice calling it.

At the first annual general meeting all elected Directors shall stand down. At every subsequent annual general meeting one-third of the elected Directors, or if their number is not a multiple of three then the number nearest to one-third, shall retire from office. The Directors to retire shall be the Directors who have been longest in office since their last election. Where Directors have held office for the same amount of time the Directors to retire shall be decided by lot. A retiring Director shall be eligible for re-election. Further details of the corporate structure and Society membership are set out in the Rules of the Society.

3.5 Achievements and experience

Melbourne Area Transition UK Whistlewood Common Limited and the purchase of land on Melbourne Common were initiated by Melbourne Area Transition UK (MAT). MAT was formed in November 2010 and has a proven track record for successfully delivering community projects and education in genuine sustainability, with reference to four key areas

Food:

- Creating a food garden and forest garden at Melbourne Schools and training staff and children in food growing (Nov 2012 onwards). The organisation has raised £2500 so far for this project. Two community planting days, a pond creation day and garden party have taken place and a two-day willow-weaving and woodland crafts day was organised in March 2013 to create a willow fence. Parents, children, community members and several community organisations have been involved in the creation of this garden.

- Purchasing and leasing a community apple press, with a grant from

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Derbyshire County Council. - Running a one-day forest garden training workshop (Jan 2012) - Organising Melbourne’s first Food Festival as part of Melbourne Festival

(Sept 2012 and Sept 2013), inviting local producers to sell produce and raise awareness of the issues of local food-growing.

- Publishing a local food blog (“Grow Eat Local Melbourne UK”) - Building a bike-powered smoothie maker, operated at Melbourne Carnival

July 2012 and 2013. - Publishing an online list of local producers in and around Melbourne.

Energy

- Putting 10Kw solar PV on Melbourne Parish Church (Grade 1 Listed) - Running a Solar buying club providing rebates for buying solar pv systems,

leading to the installation of at least 24kw of additional solar electricity generating capacity in Melbourne.

- Raising awareness of renewable electricity generation . - Promoting energy saving measures in conjunction with Marches Energy and

South Derbyshire District Council. Waste and recycling

- Contibuting to Derbyshire County Council’s waste strategy partnership. - Partner in promoting DCC’s Love Food Hate Waste Campaign. - Operating recycling points for ink cartridges and mobile phones. - Organising a talk on textile recycling as part of Melbourne Festival.

Environment/wildlife

- Organising talks on beekeeping, including natural beekeeping, bats, moths and other nightlife.

- Practical action in promoting biodiversity and ecological balance. - Strong links with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and Derbyshire Amphibian and

Reptile Group.

MAT’s membership is currently in the region of 150 and growing. Since its inception three years ago, a forest project has been the catalyst for many new members joining the group. We have conducted a series of public consultations on our ideas. At the 2011 and 2012 Melbourne Carnival and over the Festival weekend we received substantial positive feedback. Since then meetings to discuss the future of the project have been well-attended. Melbourne Area Transition has strong links with many local groups such as Melbourne Festival, Melbourne Civic Society, Melbourne Infant and Junior Schools, Melbourne Footpaths Group, Melbourne Scouts and Guides, Melbourne Parish Church, Melbourne Assembly Rooms, The National Trust (Calke Abbey) and the National Forest Company. Community woodland project Melbourne Area Transition has been looking to develop an area of local land as a community woodland for around three years. As such, several community consultations have been carried out, including at Melbourne Carnival and Melbourne Festival, with the public showing a strong demand for the project. MAT also drew up a permaculture design in conjunction with a leading permaculture designer for an area of land owned by the Forestry Commission.

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Strategic considerations in the context of national forestry policy

The creation of a food forest with facilities to provide training in forestry skills and permaculture is unique within The National Forest and has the potential to become a national exemplar.

Both DEFRA’s Government Forestry and Woodlands Policy Statement of January 2013 and the National Forest Company’s stated plans emphasise the “increased importance” of community participation and the requirement for new models to meet these criteria. MAT’s vision offers such a “new model”.

MAT represents an engaged, knowledgeable and committed community with a proven record of success in attracting funding and bringing ambitious projects to fruition.

The proposed scheme is part of our community’s approach towards developing climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. It will meet these aims by providing local food and employment for local people in a woodland environment.

We recognise the challenge raised by the need for greater food security and we aim to produce a blueprint which addresses this issue in a forest environment.

There is demonstrable will within the Melbourne community to succeed with this project.

Finally, we are encouraged by DEFRA’s Forestry Policy statement of January 2013, which stated “Localism – local authorities, businesses and communities know their areas and are best placed to decide their local priorities. We should facilitate, not dictate.”

3.6 Specialist support available

Specialist support has been offered to Whistlewood Common Limited by (amongst others): The National Forest Company The National Forest is one of the country's boldest environmental projects, transforming 200 square miles in the centre of England. A generous grant from the NFC to help purchase the land comes with added support in the way of advice and information on tree-planting and woodland creation, as well as support in publicity, community liaison and woodland maintenance. Co-operatives UK and Co-operative Enterprise Hub Co-operatives UK offered Whistlewood Common Limited free professional advice on setting up the business as an Industrial and Provident Society. Co-operative Enterprise Hub funded the Society’s incorporation costs. The Co-operative Enterprise hub has offered further free advice as the company develops. Native Forestry Native Forestry is a small, independent business run by two conscientious forest

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managers, Emma and Nick Barnes . Established in 2005, Native Forestry is dedicated to providing excellent services which promote the planting, management and conservation of native woodland. Native Forestry is based in Ticknall, near Melbourne and undertakes operations within The National Forest, including woodland design, planting and maintenance. Greenwood Days Greenwood Days is run by Peter Wood, a local craftsman and offers courses in many aspects of woodland crafts, such as Windsor Chairmaking, willow weaving, basketry, green woodworking and coracle-making. Peter also works within schools on projects such as willow crafts and cob-oven building. Greenwood Days has a course centre at Spring Wood near Melbourne. Melbourne Assembly Rooms Melbourne Assembly Rooms is now community-owned and Melbourne Area Transition has strong links with the management committee. A request from MAT for demonstration kitchen facilities in the development of the building has resulted in a proposal which is now seeking funding. Such facilities could be employed to run workshops and training in cooking and preserving food grown on the Whistlewood Common site. The Permaculture Association The Permaculture Association seeks to promote permaculture and supports a network of permaculture projects open for demonstration (The LAND network). Permaculture is a framework for designing sustainable but highly productive systems, using a proven set of principles and ethics, and is also an international movement. The Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens The Federation of City Farms & Community Gardens exists to support, represent and promote community-managed farms and gardens across the United Kingdom. The Woodland Trust – Community Woodland Network Provides support and information on community woodland ownership. Melbourne Foodpaths Group Melbourne Footpaths Group is a local group promoting walking in the area. It has already achieved Walkers are Welcome Status for the town, and carries out practical tasks to promote walking, such as improving signage and access.

3.7 Mission statement

The Mission of Whistlewood Common Limited is:

To buy, hold and establish a land-based asset on which resilient and useful community resources can be created.

To demonstrate models of productive landscapes, including woodland.

To develop and provide education and training in sustainability

To encourage wildlife and to work in harmony with the natural world.

To be an exemplar of environmental best practice and serve a catalyst for others to improve their practice and performance.

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3.8 Goals & objectives

Goals: 1. To promote resilience, through activities that increase the capacity of our

community to deal with shock across the areas of food, economics, energy and the environment

2. To grow food and plant trees of use to the community, such as timber, craft resources, biomass etc

3. To provide training and host events which showcase sustainability and which promote social cohesion.

4. To create jobs, opportunities and sustainable livelihoods 5. To develop a visionary model of low-input, high-yield woodland food

production, as a national exemplar, within The National Forest 6. To provide education and training in sustainability, including food-growing,

rural crafts and forestry. We will endeavour to offer training to all ages. 7. To engage with other organisations, including statutory, voluntary and

business, where appropriate and to seek to influence the culture of any organisation or individual towards aims, objectives or actions consistent with those of the society.

8. To promote permaculture principles, sustainability and co-operative principles.

9. To be a visible exemplar of best practice in our fields of operation 10. To work sensitively with the natural environment and to encourage

biodiversity as far as possible. 11. To operate according to the principle that every human being is equal, without

distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, gender, age, sexual orientation, language, religion, political or other opinion, religious or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

Objectives:

1. To plant orchards of fruiting trees, to include local fruit varieties, such as the “Newton Wonder” apple

2. To plant forest gardens. A forest garden is a multi-level woodland, containing edible or otherwise useful trees and plants, designed to mimic natural woodland.

3. To plant and establish cider apple orchards. 4. To plant woodland trees suitable for local use, such as for willow weaving,

hazel poles, fencing, and firewood. 5. To offer courses in fruit growing, horticulture, woodland crafts and forestry

skills 6. To offer courses in food preparation and storage (eg cider making, jams,

chutneys etc) 7. To establish a course centre (to evolve over time) as a venue for training and

as a venue for local activities from arts to exercise 8. To establish a “celebration” space for birthdays, christenings, naming

ceremonies, weddings and remembrance 9. To create income by hosting celebration events, such as weddings. 10. To provide opportunities for employment for local people

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4. Operations

The physical layout of the site will be designed during the first year, after conducting site surveys and analysis and taking on board further input from members, neighbours and the wider community. Opportunities will be provided for members to participate in the further planning of the site and the business. The principles of Permaculture will be used to design the site. We have projected the following breakdown of land areas for different activities for the purpose of planning for expenditure. Costings set out in the financial statements are based on these land areas. Land areas: Total 3.87 hectares Woodland 1.5 hectares, of which 30% to be open ground Orchards and Forest Gardens 0.5 hectares Events area 0.7 hectares Car parking area 0.2 hectares Ponds 0.12 hectares Other open ground (to include wildflower meadows, paths and rides) 0.85 hectares Explanations: Permaculture is a design system that works toward establishing productive environments - providing for food, shelter, energy, waste recycling, material & non-material need - as well as the social & economic infrastructures that support them. It aims to create systems that will sustain the present as well as future generations Woodland will be productive woodland, containing trees and shrubs of use to the community, for uses such as timber, wood-turning, craft resources (eg willow, hazel poles), food (eg walnut) and sap (eg birch). 90% of the trees planted will be British natives, and the rest to be other common but non-native varieties such as sweet chestnut. Orchards – will contain common orchard trees such as apple, pear, cherry, plum, damson and traditional varieties such as quince, medlar and greengage. Cider orchards will contain apple and pear trees planted for cider and perry production. Forest gardens are multi-layer edible and productive spaces, designed to mimic natural woodland. All items are edible or otherwise useful. Forest gardens are designed to be low-maintenance, self-sustaining systems. Ponds and streams may have productive uses. Car parking and events areas to evolve over time.

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Breakdown of activities by years: Activities on the site may be conducted by voluntary and other third party groups and organisations with the approval of the members (or directors on behalf of the members) of Whistlewood Common Limited. The primary responsibility of Whistlewood Common Limited will be to purchase, establish and hold the core (land) asset on behalf of its members and to minimise risk to members’ investment while promoting the objectives of the Society. The outline below indicates the way the initial directors expect the site to develop, but until the membership is created and members views can be taken into account this can be only a proposal. It may be, for example, that the membership determines that a separate trading arm is required to undertake business activities on the site (thereby further safeguarding the land asset). The directors have identified that substantial grants will be available to fund initial planting and maintenance activities on the site. The years stated tie in with the financial projections set out in Appendix 2 and run from September 2013. Year 1 Planning of site. Preparation of detailed costings for ensuring the financial sustainability of the project beyond its initial planting and infrastructure-related grant-dependency. The aim is to ensure that the business becomes sustainable with minimum risk to the land assets and shareholding. Years 2 - 3 Pond creation Planting woodlands, orchards, cider orchards, forest gardens, hedgerows and parkland trees. Setting up of Cider Club, Bee club and other produce clubs with the possibility of rental income obtained from this. Investigating agreements with local retailers/artisan food producers to have specialist produce, eg elderflowers, szechuan pepper, unusual edibles, grown on the site. Setting up a temporary course centre. Courses to be hosted to set up course centre, eg compost-toilet course, green woodworking course, yurt-building course. Running events to engage the local community in tree-planting. Hosting a diversity of events to obtain a rental income. Developing business model planned in year 1. Years 4 - 5: Continued tree-planting, including orchard and forest garden creation, and site development. Hosting courses, for example in sustainability, permaculture, woodland crafts, bee-keeping and tree-planting. Hosting a diversity of events to obtain a rental income. Set up bee-keeping on Establishment of kitchen/dining area (cob oven etc). Picking and selling produce (soft fruit)

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Years 6 – 7 Continued tree-planting and site development. Hosting courses, for example in sustainability, permaculture, woodland crafts and tree-planting. Hosting courses in forest gardening, orchard management, pruning, grafting etc Hosting private events, such as naming ceremonies, weddings, birthday parties and memorials. Tree-planting to be optional in these celebrations. Picking and selling produce (fruit) Year 8 onwards Hosting courses in sustainability, permaculture, woodland crafts and tree-planting. Hosting courses in fruit preservation. Hosting private events, such as naming ceremonies, weddings and memorials. Picking and harvesting top fruit Cider production and sales Sale of fruit to local restaurants, outlets and farm-gate sales Sale of woodland timber products (eg hazel poles) Year 15 onwards Sale of timber, including firewood. As part of our commitment to quality we will work towards LAND registration with The Permaculture Association.

4.1 Description of services

Education The education provided on the site will be tailored to the needs or interests of different groups, such as: schoolchildren, scouts and guides, families, individuals, local groups, regional or national groups or individuals interested in sustainable woodlands and permaculture. It is intended that the site will become a venue for Forest School activities. In time it is possible that the site will support a trainee apprentice to learn aspects of permaculture, horticulture and forestry, in conjunction with a local college. Courses The following courses may be offered on site:

- Woodland food production - Fruit production (including pruning and grafting) - Forest gardening - Beekeeping - Green woodworking - Cob oven building - Compost toilets and treebogs - Woodland art

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- Practical permaculture

Education provision, courses and events may be provided directly by the Society, or by a subsidiary company (to be decided), or by third parties. A local training provider has already expressed interest in relocating an existing woodland crafts business to the site.

Events The following volunteer events are likely to be held on the site:

- Community tree-planting events - School/young person tree-planting events - Woodland maintenance events - Community celebration events (eg picnics, summer fair etc)

Paid events may include:

- Wedding receptions - Naming ceremonies - Memorial ceremonies

(these all to include optional celebration tree-planting) - Birthday parties

The society will explore the potential of generating income from celebratory events, producing a separate business plan before year 3. Some indication of the potential in this area is set out in this business plan, but time constraints on the purchase of the land haven’t allowed us to explore this fully yet, or the means by which it may be delivered. Sale and distribution of woodland produce Woodland produce could include:

- Hazel poles - Bamboo canes - Willow (for living willow, weaving, basketry etc) - Specialist timber (eg for woodturning) - Firewood

Where possible we will seek partnerships with local craftspeople to offer value-added woodland produce for sale, such as hurdles, stools etc. Fruit and food products The type of produce that will be available over time includes:

- Top fruit (eg apples, pear, cherries, plums and rare varieties such as medlars and quinces)

- Soft fruit - Unusual edibles - Salads - Herbs - Medicinal plants - Cider - Fruit wines and ales - Jams, chutneys and preserves

Plant sales We will seek to promote the planting of fruit trees and bushes, orchards and forest

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gardens by propagating and selling plants. In particular it will be useful to propagate more unusual varieties that may be difficult to source. A venue for local groups We intend to attract local groups to the site. The Melbourne area has a large number of active groups for all ages which could benefit from a productive outdoor space and we will encourage and facilitate the use of the site by a diverse range of clubs and societies, schools and other organisations. There is potential for the site to become a venue for a local Greenwood Group supported by the national group - ‘The pole lathe and Greenwood Workers Association’. It has over 700 active members and a network of active local groups. Melbourne Festival has expressed interest in holding partner art and cultural events on the site during the festival and at other times of the year. Melbourne Area Transition already partners Melbourne Festival during the festival weekend by running a food festival and organising speakers, singers and events.

4.2 Qualification/ability vs. delivery of services

We have identified the need for the following additional skills/expertise for the successful development of the land and the project over time.

- General manager From year 3 we would anticipate the need for a part-time general manager. The need for this and the associated costs and potential risks will be thoroughly evaluated within the first two years.

- Additional permaculture design input to complement existing directors’ expertise

- Specialist forestry advice and expertise (to be provided by National Forest Company and Native Forestry)

- Trainers in specialised areas (some available from Greenwood Days) - Accountancy services - Business Advice (to be provided by the Co-Operative Enterprise Hub)

4.3 Compliance with legal responsibilities & insurance requirements

The following legal responsibilities and insurance requirements have been identified: Public liability insurance Product liability insurance Employers liability insurance Insurance of assets DBS (formerly CRB) checks for all staff and volunteers working unsupervised with children Employment legislation Equality Legislation

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Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 Company obligations

- FCA obligations - Annual accounts - To fulfil the rules and obligations of an Industrial and Provident Society as laid

out in the Society’s Rules, including holding an AGM Environmental obligations (eg from DEFRA) Obligations with regard to biodiversity, flora and fauna (eg protected species) Environment Agency obligations, (eg on watercourses, waste etc) Highways Authority obligations Local Authority obligations Planning permission for events Planning permission for infrastructure, (eg car parking) Licences – Alcohol licence for events where alcohol is sold.

- Food safety/hygiene

4.4 HR aspects

Much work will be done by voluntary labour, both on the administrative side, and the practical side. Melbourne Area Transition has already proved that it can attract significant numbers of volunteers in tree-planting and forest gardening events already organised. The following HR aspects have been identified:

1. Induction and training of volunteers and paid contractors working on the Whistlewood site, recognising the different needs of people of varied age groups and levels of experience.

2. Site design – volunteer (permaculture-trained), with additional paid input from experienced permaculture designers.

3. Tree-planting – voluntary labour (community planting days), regular planting days throughout the planting phase.

4. Maintenance – voluntary labour during regular maintenance days 5. Website – volunteer (director) 6. Promotion/marketing – volunteer (director) 7. Finance/book-keeping – volunteer (director) 8. Accountancy – paid accountant 9. Project manager – part-time salaried position. The need for and financial

considerations associated with this role is to be determined by additional business planning.

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5. Marketing strategy

Marketing strategy – voluntary tree planting The recent experience of Melbourne Area Transition is that it can raise a significant number of volunteers to plant trees. In 2012 during a two day event, MAT members planted 800 trees at St Brides Farm. Volunteers are sought by using Whistlewood Common Limited’s network of marketing – local media, website, Facebook, Twitter and National Forest Company marketing channels. Marketing strategy – other elements A marketing strategy for on-site courses, activities and produce sales will be drawn up within the first two years. The following marketing channels have already been identified:

- Creation of website. - Presence at wedding fayres - Social media presence. - Local media stories. - Media advertising - Flyers at shops,local venues, National Forest centres (Conkers etc.) - Inclusion in existing web presences - Promotion through National Forest Company resources. - Promotion through other partnerships - Promotion through the Transition Network and Permaculture networks

5.1 Market research & promotion

The following market research channels have been identified: - Conducting consultations at the Melbourne Carnival and Melbourne Festival

as well as our own networks, contacts and membership - Talking to local organisations and the local community. - Conducting online surveys via online survey tools, and with the assistance of

a local market research company as needed. -

The following means by which the asset, its products, and services can be promoted have been identified (this is not a definitive list):

- Incentivisation of the members to use the asset, participate in developing the land and promote the site and its benefits to their friends.

- Use of the website - Use of local media - Use of the National Forest Company’s communications networks. - Use of the directors’ significant network of contacts in the Transition and

Permaculture movements. - Use of the directors’ and members’ extensive contacts with local

organisations. - By holding promotional events on the site

19

- By attending relevant local events such as Melbourne Carnival and Melbourne Festival

- By attending local farmers’ markets and food fairs. - By cultivating and expanding existing links with local food outlets and

producers (eg farm shops, restaurants, food producers).

5.2 Location

The location of Whistlewood Common is Melbourne Common, Melbourne, Derbyshire, UK. The site is within walking distance of both Melbourne and Ticknall. Melbourne has a population of 5000 and is an active small town where community participation is high. The site is on a bus route, which links Melbourne and surrounding villages to Swadlincote and Derby. It is conveniently situated in the centre of the UK with easy transport links for course participants and those attending events. The site is situated within The National Forest, which is transforming 200 square miles in the centre of the UK into productive woodland. Whistlewood Common is currently grazing land but until 1991 was a market garden. Before the enclosures of 1791 the land was part of Melbourne Common, which granted grazing and other rights to local people. Activities carried out included grazing horses, pigs and sheep; collecting brushwood and gorse for ovens and fires; collecting stone for building. Other parts of Melbourne Common included a rabbit warren (for meat), and a coppice (rotation-cut timber). Prior to 1623 Melbourne Common formed part of a crown woodland of 740 acres, part of the Manor of Melbourne. This project seeks to restore the productive nature of the land, linking traditional ideas with modern innovations in growing.

5.3 Competition

Whistlewood Common has the unique selling point of being a community-owned land asset and many of its products and services are not currently available locally. Some initial research has been undertaken with regard to existing competition in different areas of activity. A full analysis of competition will be carried out as part of the future business planning. Some initial research on competition is set out below. Competition – fruit Scaddows Farm in nearby Ticknall offers pick your own soft fruit which is also available at Swarkestone. There are local supermarkets in Melbourne (Budgens) and Derby, Ashby and Swadlincote and some outlets for locally grown vegetables in other local shops. Some of these are likely to also be outlets for produce from Whistlewood Common. The range and varieties of locally-grown fruit offered in all shops and farm shops, especially top fruit and unusual edibles, is very limited and there is therefore little competition in these areas.

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Competition – value added food Cider There are three cider makers in Derbyshire, two of which are very small-scale. We have identified a further eight small-scale cider makers in the surrounding counties of Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Staffordshire (source ukcider.co.uk). There are no commercial cider-makers in the area local to Melbourne. There is, by contrast a local beer producer (Tollgate Brewery on the Calke Estate) who visits local food fairs and sells bottled beer in local farm shops. There is currently no cider club operating in or around Melbourne (a cider club has a group of members who plant and maintain cider apple trees and produce cider, for their own consumption and for external sale). Preserves There are several local companies selling jams and preserves. We have not identified any companies that state the provenance of their fruit as locally-grown. Competition – training Local sustainability group Melbourne Area Transition has been offering some courses in general sustainability. Members of MAT are now forming Whistlewood Common Limited. Whistlewood Common’s directors have links with training providers across the country. There is a clear dearth of resilience and sustainability training locally with the nearest qualified permaculture teacher, for example, living in Ashbourne and providing teaching across the country. Critical to him and to many of these trainers is the ability to access a suitable venue – something which Whistlewood Common is able to provide. Training in woodland crafts is provided at Melbourne’s Spring Wood by Greenwood Days and Woodland Survival Crafts also operates from the same wood. Potential has been identified to partner with local training providers in the Whistlewood Project, promoting knowledge developed over many years. Training in sustainability is provided at Derbyshire Eco Centre in Wirksworth, which is approximately one hour’s drive from Melbourne. There is wide range of courses on offer at that venue, which is part of Derbyshire’s Adult Education Network but the distance from the venue is a barrier to local people attending. Courses at the Eco Centre do not cover food growing and preservation. Locally, adult education in Melbourne has suffered from cuts, and the Adult Education Centre is used on only one day per week. No sustainability courses are offered. Melbourne Area Transition made contact with this venue and hired it in March 2013 to deliver a woodland crafts day at Melbourne Junior School. Competition – weddings Some initial analysis of local competition for green weddings has been undertaken. Full analysis of this market will be undertaken as part of the future business planning in this area. Locally there are wedding venues, for example the National Trust’s Calke Abbey, The Priest House Hotel at Castle Donington and other hotels in the area. However, the nearest “green” venue is Forever Green at Ransom Wood, Mansfield over 35 miles away. Unless a wedding planner has a field of their own or access to one, holding a wedding reception in a “green” setting presents a problem. Whistlewood Common

21

will have such a venue. Notable local wedding venues all offer top of the range weddings so there is potential to develop a “deep green” venue at affordable prices. The venue has the potential to develop its infrastructure over time, for example offering a bare field site initially, with more facilities available as the site and the business develop. The unique selling point for Whistlewood will be its deep green credentials, its affordable cost, and its opportunity to offer a long-term, living connection to a couple who choose to begin married life here. Competition – other events (naming ceremonies, memorials, birthday parties, hen parties etc ) What holds true of weddings also holds true for many other types of event that could benefit from being held on Whistlewood Common, with the management team promising considerable flexibility and ingenuity in maximising the use of the facility in positive and sustainable ways. Its location, close to the land being developed as the Melbourne Sporting partnership, on a bus route and almost adjacent to two sympathetic smallholders also enhances its potential for events from bicycle-cross country competitions to meditation and wild-food courses and training. There are several providers of outdoor birthday parties locally, and more work is required to establish the unique selling point and business planning in this area. Memorial trees can be planted in various locations in The National Forest, operated by the National Forest Company. We have a good relationship with the National Forest Company and envisage working together with them on this issue. Naming-ceremonies. Christenings are held in places of worship in and around Melbourne. A number of function rooms are available in local hotels and venues for naming ceremonies. Civil naming ceremonies can be held at register offices (the nearest is in Swadlincote), but these do not provide a rural setting.

6. Financial management

The Director responsible for day to day book-keeping is Helen Bralesford Whistlewood Common Limited will employ the services of a Chartered Accountant. The Society’s Financial year runs from 25 June 2013 to 30 June 2014 and from 1 July to 30 June in years thereafter.

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6.1 Assessment of financial situation

Whistlewood Common will seek to purchase land and will obtain initial working capital via a share offer to the community and a grant from the National Forest Company. For planting and establishing the site the Society expects to obtain funding from grant sources but it intends to avoid the risks of grant dependency over time. Nevertheless funding for education purposes from funders whose aims are to promote local food production and community engagement is likely to be available and the Society intends to avail itself of such sources. It is also normal practice in the UK to establish new woodland plantings via grant funding, due to the lengthy delays in obtaining income from such plantings. The Society will generally aim for operations on the site to be self-funding, via income from courses, events, and ultimately produce sales, aiming at all times to minimise risk to investors in the project.

6.2 Assets

Land on Melbourne Common Value- £95,000 Purchase to be funded by a grant from the National Forest Company of a maximum of £52,245. The remainder to be funded by the issue of shares in the society. Future assets needed for the project may include (this list is not exhaustive): Secure storage facility – shipping container, suitably sited and clad. Course centre Compost toilet Holding of fresh water resources on site

6.3 Grants & external funding

Grants The Whistlewood Common directors intend to establish an asset over time that is not grant dependent. In its early stages however, grant support is anticipated and expected to establish the basic framework of the asset through planting and landscaping. A maximum grant of £52,245 has been offered from the National Forest Company for purchase of the land.

23

The following grants have been identified as relevant and potentially available to the project to establish and enhance the land asset. They have not yet been applied for.

1. Woodland Creation Grant (English Woodland Grant Scheme) – Forestry Commission. For the broadleaf tree planting element of the site.

2. Esmee Fairbairn -Food Strand runs until January 2016 http://esmeefairbairn.org.uk/what-we-fund/sectors/food

3. LaFarge Landfill Communities Fund 4. Veolia Landfill Fund 5. Awards for All - Lottery Fund £300 - £10,000 6. East Midlands Airport Community Fund up to £2000 7. Derbyshire County Council Community Action Grant up to £1000 8. Heritage Lottery Fund for heritage apple trees and potentially for training in

relevant heritage-related skills including dry-stone walling. Shareholding The Society will endeavour to raise the following sum from shareholders: £42,755 for the purchase of the land (of which £18,000 has been pledged as at 25 June 2013) An additional £7,245 for working capital. Donations The Society does not anticipate raising significant money from donations, preferring to encourage supporters to become participating members of the Society. However, it is possible that some individuals may wish to donate money to the Society, particularly if this is a more tax-efficient option for them. Any such transactions will be full accounted for in the Society’s records.

6.4 Financial projections

A cash-flow forecast, profit and loss account and balance sheet are shown in Appendix 2. These cover the first five years of operation, and run from September 2013. These provide an indication of how the first five years of Whistlewood Common Limited may develop. However, it will be for the new membership to determine the actual direction that is pursued. The financial projections demonstrate that the Society can operate profitably beyond the initial grant-dependent planting and infrastructure phase.

6.5 Restricting factors

Risk of business failure requiring the sale of the asset base to meet debts. The Society will mitigate this risk by requiring all activities and costs on or associated with the site to be underwritten either within its working capital or by the providers of activities on site. All efforts will be made not to risk the asset base. If necessary and with the approval of members it may seek to raise additional capital through further share offers.

http://esmeefairbairn.org.uk/what-we-fund/sectors/food

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Risk of the land being sold by members after it has been bought by Whistlewood Common Limited . The land is subject to an asset lock as stated in the Rules of the Society. If sold, any profit from monies obtained from sale of assets could not be shared amongst members, but would be required to be used for a purpose within the aims of the Society or donated to another not-for-profit company with similar aims. Risk of shareholders requiring repayment of monies. It is likely that shareholders will not able to request repayment of shareholding from the society for at least 5 year (timescale to be set by Directors). The society will have the option of suspending shareholding repayments beyond that period if necessary and limiting the total amount repayable in any one year. Restrictions from conditions applied to grant offers. The National Forest Company’s grant offer to assist with the land purchase will come with conditions. The directors do not anticipate these conditions being a barrier to purchasing the land and its continued development. Of course, tree-planting will be one of the associated conditions of the grant, and this is in line with the Society’s stated aims and objectives. Management plans for the land that are associated with the grant offer will come with a claw-back clause in case of non-compliance. The Society will do all possible to ensure that management plans are fully costed and can be funded via available grant and income-generating sources, to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project, and maintenance of the trees and other assets. Grant offers from other bodies will also come with restrictions and conditions, such as timescales for implementation of projects, compliance and long-term management. Restrictions and obligations arising from public access. The National Forest Company will set as a condition of their grant offer that public access is required on site. This is in accordance with their stated aims of increasing public accessibility within The National Forest. Care will be taken to ensure the security of on-site assets, equipment and resources, and reasonable measures, such as locking of gates and regular on-site attendance, will be put in place. Care will be taken in the design of the site to ensure safety and security are taken into account. Risk of financial mismanagement or misdemeanour. The Society will mitigate this risk by employing the services of a Chartered Accountant. The Society will require two signatures to any cheque and will employ a sound policy with regards to the management of cash. Risks of harm to trees – The following risk have been identified: Tree diseases – we will work closely with the National Forest Company and Forestry Commission to obtain the most up-to-date guidance on health of stock and advice on not planting certain species (eg ash). We will seek to fence and guard trees appropriately to ensure safety against deer (muntjac, roe and fallow) and rabbits. Risk of harm due to climatic factors (weather). The Society will try to mitigate this risk by planting wind-breaks and shelter belts, and will site vulnerable plants appropriately. We will seek to capture and store the natural water resources on site to use in periods of drought. The permaculture design process to be carried out takes into consideration climatic and other risk factors to ensure the future stability of the design. This is an internationally recognised design methodology. Risk of vandalism – the site is set back from the road and is not visible from the public highway. Signage will be appropriate and will not indicate the assets contained on the site. The site will be fenced and tools and equipment locked away.

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The site is overlooked by at least 3 properties. Public foot access will be required as a condition of the National Forest Company grant so some risk of vandalism is inevitable, but the benefits of public access for awareness-raising and education outweigh the risk.

6.6 Other risks

We have identified the following additional risks: 1. Loss of key director(s) 2. Unavailability of grants to carry out projects 3. Inability to attract sufficient volunteers to organise events 4. Lack of interest in community planting 5. Lack of interest in courses and events

The current directors believe that these risks can be mitigated by having a board with several strong and capable members, with appropriate day-to-day and strategic management and regular reviews of progress towards the company’s objectives with a willingness to adjust the company’s plans and activities in light of operational experience. Furthermore, the creation of a large membership, from which to draw directors and volunteers will aid the sustainability of the project.

7. Review and monitoring

This business plan will be reviewed with the following frequency: 6 monthly. An annual amendment of financial and other aspects will be carried out. The permaculture design process involves regular reviews of projects and designs, and review and reflection is one of the twelve principles of permaculture that will be followed.

While every effort has been made to compile this information from authoritative and up-to-date sources,

Whistlewood Common Limited can accept no liability for any loss made as a result of any error or omission

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Appendix 1 – Glossary

Permaculture

Permaculture is a design framework that seeks to integrate human activity with natural surroundings so as to create highly efficient self-sustaining ecosystems. The term permaculture derives from the words permanent and agriculture, and permanent and culture. Permaculture projects and designers operate around the world.

LAND Network The LAND network is a network of Learning And Network Demonstration permaculture projects in the UK.

Forest Garden

A forest garden is a multi-level productive woodland where all trees, shrubs, groundcover and climbers are edible or otherwise useful. Forest gardens are modelled on natural woodlands and are designed to be low-maintenance and productive with yields with a variety of uses (food, fuel, medicines, craft resources etc).

Forest School

Forest school is a type of outdoor education in which children (or adults) visit forests/woodlands, learning personal, social and technical skills. It has been defined as "an inspirational process that offers children, young people and adults regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence through hands-on learning in a woodland environment. Activities can be provided in conjunction with an educational establishment or independently.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outdoor_education

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outdoor_education

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Appendix 2 – Financial Projections Please note that these provide an indication of how the first five years of Whistlewood Common Limited may develop. However, it will be for the new membership to determine the actual direction that is pursued, and further detailed business planning will be undertaken within the first two years.

CASHFLOW FORECAST

Whistlewood Common Limited

Cash Flow Year 1 2013 - 14 Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug

Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6 Month 7 Month 8 Month 9 Month 10 Month 11 Month 12 Total

1. INCOME

Total (1a + 1b) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2. EXPENDITURE

Legal fees -Conveyancing 480 480

Publicity - share issue 300 300

Insurance 300 300

Permaculture advice 375 375 750

Stationery/ Postage 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 120

Telephone 10 10 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 70

Accountancy/ Prof. Fees 250 250

E-Commerce hosting 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 72

0

Total 626 401 501 21 21 21 396 21 21 21 271 21 2,342

Monthly Cap. -626 -401 -501 -21 -21 -21 -396 -21 -21 -21 -271 -21 -2,342

Cumulative.Cap. -626 -1,027 -1,528 -1,549 -1,570 -1,591 -1,987 -2,008 -2,029 -2,050 -2,321 -2,342 -20,628

3. CASH INTRODUCED

National Forest Company Grant 52,245 52,245

Shares 50,000 50,000

0

0

Total 50,000 52,245 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 102,245

4. CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

Website 60 60

Equipment 0

Land Purchase 95,000 95,000

0

0

Total 60 95,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 95,060

Monthly Balance 49,314 -43,156 -501 -21 -21 -21 -396 -21 -21 -21 -271 -21 4,843

Opening Balance 0 49,314 6,158 5,657 5,636 5,615 5,594 5,198 5,177 5,156 5,135 4,864

Closing Balance 49,314 6,158 5,657 5,636 5,615 5,594 5,198 5,177 5,156 5,135 4,864 4,843

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TRADING FORECAST (Monthly P&L)


Trading Profit & Loss Year 1

TotalREVENUE

Total 0

COST OF SALES

Total

GROSS PROFIT 0

INDIRECT COSTS

Legal fees -Conveyancing 480

Publicity - share issue 300

Insurance 300

Permaculture advice 750

Stationery/ Postage 120

Telephone 70

Accountancy/ Prof. Fees 250

E-Commerce hosting 72

Depreciation 0

Total 2342

NET PROFIT/ LOSS -2,342

before tax & drawings

29

BALANCE SHEET


Balance Sheet Year 1

cost dep net

Fixed Assets £ £

Website 60 0 60

Equipment 0 0 0

Land 95,000 0 95,000

95,060 0 95,060

Current Assets

Stock

Cash @ Bank 4,843

4,843

Creditors

VAT Due 0

0

NET ASSETS 99,903

CAPITAL & RESERVES

Share Capital 50,000

Grants Received 52,245

Profit & Loss Account -2,342

99,903

30




1. INCOME

Farm Woodland Payment 325 325

Rents 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 2,400

Total (1a + 1b) 200 200 200 200 200 200 525 200 200 200 200 200 2,725

2. EXPENDITURE

Insurance 300 300

Publicity - general 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 60


Telephone 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 120



Total (2a thru 2l) 331 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 781 31 1,422

Monthly Cap. -131 169 169 169 169 169 494 169 169 169 -581 169 1,303

Cumulative.Cap. -131 38 207 376 545 714 1,208 1,377 1,546 1,715 1,134 1,303 10,032

3. CASH INTRODUCED

Esmee Fairbairn Food Strand Grant 15,000 15,000

Forestry Commission EWGS 4,200 4,200

Derbyshire County Council CAG 1,000 1,000

East Midlands Airport Community Fund 1,000 1,000

Total (3a thru 3d) 4,200 15,000 0 0 1,000 0 0 0 1,000 0 0 0 21,200


Yurt purchase * 2 3,000 3,000

Shipping Container - Equipt storage 2,500 2,500

Site preparation - mowing 200 200

Landscaping & Site Development 6,500 6,500

Culverting x 2 306 306

Pond Creation 2,000 2,000

Hedging, plants, tubes & stakes 140 140

Supply plants - broadleaves & shrubs 450 450

Planting costs - tubes, mulch, stakes 2,520 2,520

Permaculture advice 375 375 750

Mechanical site marking 30 30

Total (4a thru 4e) 2700 711 140 0 2,970 0 8,875 3,000 0 0 0 0 18,396

Monthly Balance 1,369 14,458 29 169 -1,801 169 -8,381 -2,831 1,169 169 -581 169 8,950

Opening Balance 4,843 6,212 20,670 20,699 20,868 19,067 19,236 10,855 8,024 9,193 9,362 8,781

Closing Balance 6,212 20,670 20,699 20,868 19,067 19,236 10,855 8,024 9,193 9,362 8,781 8,950

Notes:

Rents at 1. to cover: rents from hosting courses and events; income from hosting horticultural activities and produce clubs; income from activity clubs (eg creative writing,art, beekeeping).

These activities may be undertaken either by Whistlewood Common Limited, by a future trading arm of WWC Limited, or by third parties.

Further detail of the breakdown of costing of these activities will be provided in a future business plan, but a list of possible activities is shown in Section 4 of the Business Plan.

Capital expenditure at 4 is expected to be grant funded

31




TotalREVENUE

2,725

Total 2,725

COST OF SALES

Total 0

GROSS PROFIT 2,725

INDIRECT COSTS

Insurance 300

Publicity - general 60


Telephone 120



Depreciation 1,100

Total 2522

NET PROFIT/ LOSS 203


32



cost dep net

Fixed Assets £ £

Website 60 0 60

Equipment 5,500 1,100 4,400

Land 95,000 0 95,000

Land Development 12,896 0 12,896

TOTAL 113,456 1,100 112,356

Current Assets

Stock

Cash @ Bank 8,950

8,950

Creditors

VAT Due 0

0

NET ASSETS 121,306

CAPITAL & RESERVES




121,306

33

CASHFLOW FORECAST




1. INCOME


Rents 250 250 250 250 250 250 250 250 250 250 250 250 3,000

Total (1a + 1b) 250 250 250 250 250 250 575 250 250 250 250 250 3,325

2. EXPENDITURE

Publicity - 50 10 10 50 10 10 140

Insurance 300 300


Telephone 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 120



Mowing of woodland rides 100 100 100 300

Inter-row mowing 185 185 370

Replant failed trees 150 150

Total (2b thru 2q) 1,161 36 36 26 176 76 26 26 36 311 36 126 2,072

Monthly Cap. -911 214 214 224 74 174 549 224 214 -61 214 124 1,253

Cumulative.Cap. -911 -697 -483 -259 -185 -11 538 762 976 915 1,129 1,253 2,506

3. CASH INTRODUCED

Landfill Communities Fund 10,000 10,000

Awards for All 10,000 10,000

Total (3a thru 3d) 0 0 0 0 10,000 0 0 0 0 0 10,000 0 20,000


Roundwood & tarpaulin shelter 3,000 3,000

Equipment -outdoor kitchen, benches, tables 2,500 500 3,000

Signage & interpretation board 1,700 1,700

Fencing 3,000 3,000

Orchard trees 840 840

Planting costs - mulch, ties, stakes, tubes 380 380

Mowing of orchards 93 93 93 93 372

Mowing of open spaces 130 130 130 130 130 650

Willow weaving screen for car park 2,000 2,000

Water storage facilities 2,000 2,000

Total (4a thru 4e) 3,223 223 0 0 2,380 3,340 4,700 2,500 0 223 130 223 16,942

Monthly Balance -4,134 -9 214 224 7,694 -3,166 -4,151 -2,276 214 -284 10,084 -99 13,261

Opening Balance 8,950 4,816 4,807 5,021 5,245 12,939 9,773 5,622 3,346 3,560 3,276 13,360

Closing Balance 4,816 4,807 5,021 5,245 12,939 9,773 5,622 3,346 3,560 3,276 13,360 13,261

Notes:





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TotalREVENUE

Farm Woodland Payment 325

Rents 3,000

Total 3,325

COST OF SALES

Total 0

GROSS PROFIT 3,325

INDIRECT COSTS

Publicity - 140

Insurance 300


Telephone 120



Mowing of woodland rides 300

Inter-row mowing 370

Replant failed trees 150

Depreciation 880

Total 2,952



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BALANCE SHEET



cost dep net

Fixed Assets £ £

Website 60 0 60

Equipment 4,400 880 3,520

Land 95,000 0 95,000


129,298 880 128,418

Current Assets

Stock

Cash @ Bank 13,261

13,261

Creditors

VAT Due 0

0

NET ASSETS 141,679

CAPITAL & RESERVES




36

CASHFLOW FORECAST




1. INCOME

Farm woodland payment 325 325

Rents 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 3,600

Total (1a + 1b) 300 300 300 300 300 300 625 300 300 300 300 300 3,925

2. EXPENDITURE

E-commerce - web hosting 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 72

Insurance 300 300


Telephone 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 120


Mowing orchards & forest gardens 93 93 93 279

Mowing of open spaces 130 130 130 130 520

Replant failed trees 150 150

Mowing of rides in woodland 100 100 100 300


Total (2a thru 2l) 1,334 26 26 26 176 26 26 26 26 341 349 349 2,731

Monthly Cap. -1,034 274 274 274 124 274 599 274 274 -41 -49 -49 1,194

Cumulative.Cap. -1,034 -760 -486 -212 -88 186 785 1,059 1,333 1,292 1,243 1,194 2,388

3. CASH INTRODUCED

Total (3a thru 3d) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


Fruit trees for events area 400 400

Guards and stakes for above 75 75

Fruit trees for forest garden 800 800

Nut trees 200 200

Shrubs 210 210

Perennials, bulbs & climbers 500 500

Tubes, stakes and ties 66 66

Mulch 200 200 200 600

Total (4a thru 4e) 200 500 210 66 475 1,000 200 0 0 200 0 0 2,851

Monthly Balance -1,234 -226 64 208 -351 -726 399 274 274 -241 -49 -49 11,604

Opening Balance 13,261 12,027 11,801 11,865 12,073 11,722 10,996 11,395 11,669 11,943 11,702 11,653

Closing Balance 12,027 11,801 11,865 12,073 11,722 10,996 11,395 11,669 11,943 11,702 11,653 11,604

Notes:





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TotalREVENUE

Farm woodland payment 325

Rents 3,600

Total 3,925

COST OF SALES

Total 0

GROSS PROFIT 3,925

INDIRECT COSTS

E-commerce - web hosting 72

Insurance 300


Telephone 120


Mowing orchards & forest gardens 279

Mowing of open spaces 520

Replant failed trees 150

Mowing of rides in woodland 300


Depreciation 704

Total 3,435



38

BALANCE SHEET



cost dep net

Fixed Assets £ £

Website 60 0 60

Equipment 3,520 704 2,816

Land 95,000 0 95,000


131,269 704 130,565

Current Assets

Stock

Cash @ Bank 11,604

11,604

Creditors

VAT Due 0

0

NET ASSETS 142,169

CAPITAL & RESERVES




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CASHFLOW FORECAST

Whistlewood Common Limited Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug

Cash Flow Year 5 2017 - 18 Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6 Month 7 Month 8 Month 9 Month 10 Month 11 Month 12 Total

1. INCOME

Rents 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 4200


Total (1a + 1i) 350 350 350 350 350 350 675 350 350 350 350 350 4,525

2. EXPENDITURE

Insurance 300 300


Telephone 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 120



Mowing orchards 93 93 93 279

Mowing of other open spaces 130 130 130 130 520


Mowing - woodland rides 100 100 100 300

Replanting failed trees 100 100

Total (2a thru 2r) 1,334 26 26 26 126 26 26 26 26 341 349 349 2,681

Monthly Cap. -984 324 324 324 224 324 649 324 324 9 1 1 1,844

Cumulative.Cap. -984 -660 -336 -12 212 536 1,185 1,509 1,833 1,842 1,843 1,844 8,812

3. CASH INTRODUCED

Total (3a thru 3d) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


Cob oven 1,500 1,500

Bee hives 1,200 1,200

Total (4a thru 4e) 2,700 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2,700

Monthly Balance -3,684 324 324 324 224 324 649 324 324 9 1 1 10,748

Opening Balance 11,604 7,920 8,244 8,568 8,892 9,116 9,440 10,089 10,413 10,737 10,746 10,747

Closing Balance 7,920 8,244 8,568 8,892 9,116 9,440 10,089 10,413 10,737 10,746 10,747 10,748

Notes:





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TotalREVENUE

Rents 4,200

Farm Woodland Payment 325

Total 4,525

COST OF SALES

Total 0

GROSS PROFIT 4,525

INDIRECT COSTS

Insurance 300


Telephone 120



Mowing orchards 279

Mowing of other open spaces 520


Mowing - woodland rides 300

Replanting failed trees 100

Depreciation 563

Total 3,244

NET PROFIT/ LOSS 1,281


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cost dep net

Fixed Assets £ £

Website 60 0 60

Equipment 2,816 563 2,253

Land 95,000 0 95,000


133,265 563 132,702

Current Assets

Stock

Cash @ Bank 10,748

10,748

Creditors

VAT Due 0

0

NET ASSETS 143,450

CAPITAL & RESERVES



Profit & Loss Account 5

143,450

Business Plan For Whistlewood Common Limited · smallholding in The National Forest which is run...

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